reactions to SMILE?

Too late by 35 years! I wonder how much greater the influence and interest would be if Brian had been able to finish this album before his problems peaked. It will probably be enjoyable, but unfortunately, it will be as if the album were transported 35 years into the future, and will undoubtedly not have the same impact that it would have had were the release not "shifted in time". I am hoping the reported "lost" extended version of "Heroes and Villains" has been found!

have you even heard it?

This isn't really the "lost" version, the songs were recently recorded. It's very good (IMO), but it's not a 30+ year old masterpiece, the songs are 30+ years old recorded recently with recent technology.

None the less, it's on my list to buy

Tagyerit, sorry I misread your post. I didn't realize that it had been released yet. I saw an article about it on the news, and I assumed that you were asking about the IMPENDING release. Mea Culpa. So what is it like? Did Brian use any stuff from the old masters, or is it totally new recordings using his old concept. I know that this was to supposed to be the follow-up to "Pet Sounds" and originally scheduled to be released back in 1969 or 1970...the Beach Boys' answer to "Sgt. Pepper's". I'd like to know more!

Guys, I gotta say...I was never a huge Beach Boys fan, and Mike Love's current pukefest makes me ill. I have however always respected Brian Wilson.

Well, yesterday I bought "Smile" and I've been- well- smiling with every listen. The sound quality is very good, Van Dyke Parks' lyrics paint a vivid image, and Brian Wilson's music adds a deep, complex soundscape. Tracks 6-10 are incredible. Beautiful.

If you listen closely, you'll hear many things going on all at once- ala Pet Sounds.

If Mr. Wilson's legacy wasn't secure before, I believe it is now. If I were you, I'd buy Smile.